New Access Regulations for Teide National Park

Car Access Restrictions

The Rector Plan for Usage and Management of Teide National Park includes restrictions on car access during certain time slots, allowing only bus travel. This was confirmed by the President of the Cabildo of Tenerife, José Miguel Ruano, who clarified that “this is not a blanket ban on private vehicles.”

Ruano explained to the media that “there will be specific time slots during which all mobility will be conducted via buses, and other times when this will not be the case.” The aim, he stated, is to promote a “more sustainable mobility model without completely restricting visitor access to the park.”

Maintaining Traditional Uses

He noted that traditional practices, such as beekeeping, will still be permitted, albeit with certain conditions. Improvements are also planned for activities like cycling on designated paths. According to Ruano, this document has been developed by the island corporation and the Government of the Canary Islands “over the past year and a half.”

In this context, he confirmed that the board of the National Park will discuss the plan on 29th September. Ruano emphasised that both the Cabildo and the regional government “disagreed with the foundational document used since the tenure of former councillor José Antonio Valbuena, as that document excessively restricted access and enjoyment of the park.”

A Step Forward

He stated that the new document represents a “notable” advancement, establishing “an island-wide sustainable mobility plan with both transitional and long-term determinations.” However, he reminded that “final approval lies with the Government of the Canary Islands, which is expected to happen before December.”